The Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited is set to begin production of military hardware following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Defence.

The MoU was signed at a ceremony on Monday at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja by Prince Shuaibu Audu, Minister of Steel Development, and Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence. The agreement establishes a collaborative framework to develop and produce essential military equipment, leveraging the capabilities of Ajaokuta Steel, one of Africa’s largest industrial plants.

According to the Ministry of Steel Development, the MoU was signed in two parts: one between the Federal Ministries of Steel and Defence, and another between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Ajaokuta Steel.

Prince Audu described the initiative as a groundbreaking step toward Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, noting that the steel plant’s capabilities would be used to produce armoured vehicles, weapons, helmets, and other defence equipment. He emphasized that the partnership will not only bolster Nigeria’s defence industry but also enhance the country’s security infrastructure.

Dr. Matawalle highlighted the strategic timing of the agreement, stressing that it promises high-impact prospects for national security and economic growth.

Maj. Gen. Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, Director General of DICON, called the MoU an enduring commitment to Nigeria, adding that it will create jobs and build local capacity in defence-related industries.

Both ministries expressed optimism that the collaboration will spur further partnerships in the defence sector and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrialization and economic development.